New Delhi, June 24: Uday Chand is a name that stands out among the legendary wrestlers of India. He became the first wrestler from independent India to win the World Wrestling Championship title. Uday was also the first wrestler in the country to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award in wrestling.
Born on June 25, 1935, in Jandli village of Hisar district (now Fatehabad) in Haryana, Uday was inspired by his elder brother, Hariram, who was also a wrestler. He learned the intricacies of the sport alongside his brother in the akhara (wrestling arena). Gradually, Uday began to make a name for himself with his powerful techniques. He remained the National Champion for an impressive 13 consecutive years from 1958 to 1970, a record that remains unbroken to this day.
In 1961, Uday made history by winning the World Wrestling Championship held in Japan. He became the first wrestler from India to achieve this feat after independence. Both Uday and his brother Hariram participated in this tournament. Uday’s dominance was also evident in the Asian Games.
He excelled at the 1962 Asian Games, securing two silver medals, and later won a bronze medal at the 1966 Asian Games. In 1970, Uday fulfilled his dream of winning a gold medal for the country at the Commonwealth Games, showcasing his exceptional talent.
With his powerful moves and strong grip, Uday often defeated even the toughest opponents. In 1961, he was honored with the Arjuna Award, becoming the first wrestler in India to receive this accolade. Uday served in the Indian Army from 1953 to 1970 in the rank of Subedar. After achieving immense success as an athlete, he also made a significant mark in coaching. From 1970 to 1995, he served as a trainer at Haryana Krishan University, nurturing numerous national and international-level wrestlers.
Leave a Comment